FAIRBORN — Acclaimed local artist Pat Dunker will demonstrate use of alcohol inks Sept. 5 at the Fairborn Art Association monthly meeting.
A resident of Xenia, Dunker been painting for years but said the highlight of her career was being invited to paint and exhibit in the Paris Louvre. In 2010, while there, she painted “Madame Pasteur” by Baron Jean Baptiste Gross. Dunker said thousands of artists paint in the Louvre each year but every two years some 130 people are invited to bring their paintings back to Paris for a special exhibition.
She was invited to do so in 2012. In 2016, she received a scholarship to paint plein aire oils in Southern France.
Dunker said she began painting while her husband was in the Air Force but didn’t pursue it rigorously until they started going to Florida for the winters. There, she met Frank Covino, a master of oil painting, who taught her to paint like the old masters. She credits his tutoring for her proficiency and invitation to the Louvre.
Dunker has since continued to develop and learn new techniques in oil, watercolor, acrylics and alcohol inks, studying with Covino and other well-known artists including: David Leffell and Gayle Bennett, also experts in oil painting; Louise Jackson, Birgit O’Connor, Janet Rogers, Anne Abgott, Sterling Edwards, Fred Graff, Joe Fettingiss, Mitchell Tolle, Suzanna Winton and Jean Haines, experts in watercolor; and Cathy Taylor in alcohol inks.
“Since l’ve become an artist, I feel more ‘in tune’ with the wonder and beauty of all God’s creations,” Dunker said.
Involved in many art organizations, she’s currently Workshop Coordinator for the Fairborn Art Association, Treasurer for Western Ohio Watercolor Society, and a member of Bonita Springs Art Association, Cape Coral Art League and Southwest Florida Portrait Society.
Those wishing to attend her presentation are welcome to join the Fairborn Art Association meeting slated for 7 p.m Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the FAA Gallery, 221 North Central. Anyone desiring more information about FAA or to become a member is welcome to check out the website at www.fairbornart.org
In addition, Dunker will be displaying her works in the FAA gallery during the month of September. Her works encompass watercolors as well as oils, including the “Old Masters” work she painted and exhibited in the Louvre and alcohol inks.
Opening reception for her exhibit is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept.10. The gallery will also open 1-4 p.m. all other Sundays in September.
